Speakers with PRaT... to a 152/155/Flatcap-setup ?

Out of those, for low volume use, I'd probably be looking at Neat, if buying new.  

Or else a nice pair of IBLs, Kans, or maybe even some Royds if looking at secondhand.  The Royds (look out for Minstrels or Sorcerers in particular) work especially well at lower volumes - and that saves their main drivers which can be fragile at high volumes, although there can be other issues like the doping gumming up the pole piece gaps.

However, what is the source?

Thank's, but why not ATC and PMC due to low volume? The source is not decided yet but it's going to be a very god one. (high budget digital)  I have up to 2k€ budget for the speakers. Prefer second hand to get the most out of the money.

Low volume and ATC is a no-go ime

If you have already separated the pre and power functions of the amplifier, as you have done, and added a psu, as you have done, then, imo, you have already done the 'hard yards' with respect to low volume listening.

So, follow your tastes.

Have you got both outputs of the FCXS on the NAC152XS?

C.

I auditioned the same amplification system you have against the previous model. My opinion only, the power amp is really quite good, well at least as good as the previous model. However I felt with or without the flatcap, the 152XS pre was a very large step backwards from the 150x. By all means audition speakers such as PMC but depending on your budget I think you should be open minded about the possibility of changing the pre subject to audition. Rich. 

Does low volume listening suitability imply higher sensitivity  ? 

Given.. That the speaker power handling is suited to the power Amp wattage  ? 

122x was the previous pre I thought.

A speaker that I found outstanding at low volumes was the previous version of the Opers Secunda (sealed box 2 1/2 way) it went too soft when cranked up on a Rega Maia (Regas rival to the 150x) but at low level it really hit the spot.

Certain speakers tend to work well with good life at low volumes, while others seem to need a certain amount of volume before they really come to life.  Of course, different power amps can have an effect here, source and pre-amp notwithstanding, it may well come down to best matching between speaker and power amp.

When I had a 122/150 I used nSats, which were very good indeed. They lack very low bass but work well at low volumes and have pace aplenty. For an office they would be pretty well perfect I’d have thought. 

Christopher_M posted:

Have you got both outputs of the FCXS on the NAC152XS?

C.

Hi

Only one, but likely going to get another cable.

Is it a good diffference in sound? Please describe.

Worth the price?

Rich 1 posted:

I auditioned the same amplification system you have against the previous model. My opinion only, the power amp is really quite good, well at least as good as the previous model. However I felt with or without the flatcap, the 152XS pre was a very large step backwards from the 150x. By all means audition speakers such as PMC but depending on your budget I think you should be open minded about the possibility of changing the pre subject to audition. Rich. 

Pre...is it the 122X you think is better? In what way? Most people seems to consider that the 152X is better.

150X is a power amp...

Richard Dane posted:

Certain speakers tend to work well with good life at low volumes, while others seem to need a certain amount of volume before they really come to life.  Of course, different power amps can have an effect here, source and pre-amp notwithstanding, it may well come down to best matching between speaker and power amp.

Thanks!

Do you think a second Snaic will benefit performance a lot?

If adding a Flatcap XS is “10 units” enhancement, how many units more is a second Snaic going to give?

I ran that combination many, many years with Naim Allae. Superb mtch, also very good at low volume levels. I thibk second hnd they go for round €1200.

Hi Jana

I have the same amp as you with Neat Motive SX1 speakers.  Works very well for me, plenty of attack and PRaT with excellent low volume listening. SX1 might be too big for an office but  I can definitely recommend auditioning other Neat speakers.  They seem to have very good synergy with naim.

I use both outputs from the flatcap xs into the 152xs and I think it’s a worthwhile upgrade. After buying the flatcap I had a one or two week stretch where I used a single snaic. Adding the second connection when it finally arrived made a noticeable improvement, not huge but at this level everything adds up.

 I recently removed the flatcap xs from my setup just the hear the difference and connected it back as soon as I could. Without the flatcap things sounded quite exciting at first but become tiring after a short while. Reinstating the flatcap into both inputs brought back the smoother top end and midrange with a much more controlled bass. In hindsight I should have connected one input at a time to hear the difference. Anyway, the option is there and it’s a relatively cheap upgrade so it’s a no brainier IMO. 

JanÅ posted:

Christopher_M posted:

Have you got both outputs of the FCXS on the NAC152XS?

C.

Hi

Only one, but likely going to get another cable.

Is it a good diffference in sound? Please describe.

Worth the price?

Worth the price and a very good difference. Both inputs powered make this pre-amplifier sound solid and unforced, just more articulate and natural. I wouldnt mind betting few here have heard it this way.

Edit: I'm running Allaes btw, with your set, just like Iver once did. No complaints at any volume.

◾ How strong is Nap 155xs.?
◾ Is it a remote control to Nac 152xs.?

/Peder ????

Peder posted:

◾ How strong is Nap 155xs.?
◾ Is it a remote control to Nac 152xs.?

/Peder ????

60w.

yes, it is remote controlled. 

Quality Speakers that sound very good at low volumes are few and far between  IMO but I would definitely go stand or bookshelf speakers one of the small pmc’s or Neat iota’s, tablette 10’s perhaps. I very nearly bought some Shahinian Larcs once because of how they sounded at low volumes. 

wrc posted:

Hi Jana

I have the same amp as you with Neat Motive SX1 speakers.  Works very well for me, plenty of attack and PRaT with excellent low volume listening. SX1 might be too big for an office but  I can definitely recommend auditioning other Neat speakers.  They seem to have very good synergy with naim.

I use both outputs from the flatcap xs into the 152xs and I think it’s a worthwhile upgrade. After buying the flatcap I had a one or two week stretch where I used a single snaic. Adding the second connection when it finally arrived made a noticeable improvement, not huge but at this level everything adds up.

 I recently removed the flatcap xs from my setup just the hear the difference and connected it back as soon as I could. Without the flatcap things sounded quite exciting at first but become tiring after a short while. Reinstating the flatcap into both inputs brought back the smoother top end and midrange with a much more controlled bass. In hindsight I should have connected one input at a time to hear the difference. Anyway, the option is there and it’s a relatively cheap upgrade so it’s a no brainier IMO. 

Good feedback, appreciated!

Also, thank you all contributing in the thread.

A number of good alternativs to listen to.

What happened next?

Christopher_M posted:

What happened next?

Thanks for asking.

Got myself a pair of Linn Majik 109 with stands - as INTERIM.

And to have a reference to compare against. Well...and to listen on while finding the "right" speaker.

Currently looking at buying  a used pair of NACA5 speaker cable at good price. Preferable 7-8 meter

JanÅ posted:

Got myself a pair of Linn Majik 109 with stands - as INTERIM.

I would say they have a very good reputation here, though not heard a pair myself. It may be that there is nothing interim about them if they are right for your room as well as your ears and your wallet

JanÅ posted:

Got myself a pair of Linn Majik 109 with stands - as INTERIM.

I own a pair of 109 (see my profile for the rest of my system) and I'm very interested in your findings regarding 109/155xs

It’s surprisingsly good actually.

Wasn’t prepared on that.